The healthcare company has called on bosses to push back the start of the working day by an hour on 26 September to allow staff to get some exercise as it launched the workplace element of the National Fitness Day, called Flying Start.
AXA PPP has also launched a special Flying Start website, which companies can sign up for free factsheets, posters and guidebooks.
Bosses can also sign up for regular emails with additional content, including free digital workouts with fitness champions Shona Vertue and Les Mills and links to 20,000 free events happening around the country on National Fitness Day.
“Flying Start is a simple campaign with a simple message – being physically active is good for us. It’s good for our physical and mental health,” said AXA PPP healthcare Distribution Director, Chris Horlick.
“And it’s good for business. So, for this one day let’s give it some focus. Whether it’s using the first hour of the working day to walk the dog, join a dance class or roller-blade to work, taking time to do something a little bit different may be just the spur we need to commit ourselves to making changes for the better.
“Flying Start is a great way for employers to highlight and encourage employees to live healthier, more active, lives. In fact, it’s such a good idea, we’ve extended our support for National Fitness Day for another three years,” added Mr Horlick.
Ms Vertue, who has filmed a fitness DVD with Love Island’s Chris and Kem and was one of a squad of star personal trainers on MTV’s fitness transformation show, added: “I’ve worked in an office so I’m completely aware of the desk vortex and how difficult it is sometimes to get away from the screen. But I also know that one of the best ways to boost brain power is to move your body!
“Flying Start is a simple way for businesses to help their employees kick start some healthy habits and get fitter. However you choose to get your day off to a Flying Start – yoga, power walking, HIIT session – being more physically active can only be a plus for everyone.”
In this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast, ‘Burnout, stress and being human’, Heather Beach is joined by Stacy Thomson to discuss burnout, perfectionism and how to deal with burnout as an individual, as management and as an organisation.
We provide an insight on how to tackle burnout and why mental health is such a taboo subject, particularly in the workplace.
